I know it sounds odd, but a lot of good things are happening because I have ALS. And as the illness progresses, I am deeply grateful for the good things that are happening.

Friends hosted a “Roast and Toast George Smith” event one evening at the Senator. Lots of funny stories were told, and friends came from all over the state, some of whom I hadn’t seen in many years.

Two days later Linda and I were invited to the Maine Senate where, shortly after the morning session opened, about a dozen senators got up and said nice things about me. I joked later that it took me 40 years of lobbying there, but finally they said something nice about me. Honestly, the speeches were generous, taking me back through some great experiences.

Two weeks ago our children and grandchildren hosted a long weekend in a Lafayette Ocean Resorts oceanside cabin in Wells. Wonderful doesn’t begin to describe it. I especially loved son Josh’s story of how, just before he and our 3 year-old granddaughter headed to Maine so we could host a 4th birthday party for her in April, Ada said, “Dad, you know your dad is a real jokester! Be careful.” Boy, she got that right.

We’re trying to spend lots of time with our four grandchildren. The boys, who live in Union, are very active, especially in sports, so we mostly see them at games. I’m leaning heavily on them, however, to do some fishing this summer with Grampy.

We’re working to shore up our home. All Season Roofing of Augusta did a superb job of putting a new roof on our house, and Goodwin Well & Water of North Turner cleaned the critters out of our well that had, for a couple months, fouled our well water. We toasted them with glasses of wonderfully clean well water.

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We’re also lucky to live in a very caring community where lots of help and support is available. Our church friends are also eager to help us.

I’ve been doing lots of research on adaptive equipment, vans, and other needs and issues. ALS is an expensive illness, but there is a great array of nonprofits who are helping ALS patients. The best has been the ALS Association’s Northern New England Chapter. Nell Davies, who was a huge help initially as the group’s Maine staffer, has now retired, but they’ve hired another wonderful and very experienced replacement, Laurie McFarren, who quickly stepped up to give us lots of advice, information, and help.

For example, the association maintains a storage unit in Brunswick full of things to loan ALS patients. Laurie supplied us with two wheelchairs, one of which is very light, and both of which fold up for transport as we travel. And yes, Linda and I still hope to travel — but we’ll do it right here in Maine, enjoying our favorite places, including Monhegan and Lubec.

The ALS Association is leading the fight to treat and cure ALS through global research and nationwide advocacy. I’ve been inspired by the wonderful people working for this organization and decided to help them raise money. The ALS Association’s two major fundraisers in Maine are walks in Bangor and Portland.

This year the Bangor walk is scheduled on the morning of Aug. 25 and the Portland walk on the morning of Sept. 8. My sister Edie, who works for Sen. Angus King, will chair the Bangor walk.

I am hoping you will participate in one of the walks. You can get more information and register for the Bangor walk at www.web.alsa.org/Bangor2018 and for the Portland walk at www.web.alsa.org/Portland. If you’d consider being a sponsor, let me know and I’ll send you information about that.

I was especially pleased when Martin’s Point, my insurer, agreed to be a sponsor, as did the Portland Press Herald, which will give the walks lots of publicity. Other sponsors include Moody’s Collision Center and Poland Spring, which will supply water for all walkers.

As my illness progresses, with plenty of difficulties ahead, all of these good things are especially important to both me and Linda. I hope to see you at one of the walks.

George Smith can be reached at 34 Blake Hill Road, Mount Vernon, ME 04352, or georgesmithmaine@gmail.com. Read more of Smith’s writings at www.georgesmithmaine.com.


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